Feb. 7, 2009 @ Dallas Mavericks

Unfortunately, I was unable to watch this game, as my roommates accidentally canceled the DVR recording. This is bound to happen a few times, so I apologize. Looks like I missed a frustrating game anyway, so perhaps it's for the better.

Reading the recap, I notice that Tyrus Thomas hit a 3 pointer at the end of last night's game. This is the 2nd straight loss in which Thomas hit a pointless 3-pointer at the end of the game (his first came at the end of the Rockets game). I only mention this I never knew he was capable of making a shot from that range. I also read that Derrick Rose once again had the ball in his hands at the end of the game with a chance to win. And once again he missed a layup and didn't get a foul. I'm not worried, he'll get better at that in the future. But I often wonder why we don't give Luol Deng a chance to win a game? If he gets a halfway decent look at a 15-18 ft jumper, he'll make it more often than not. Gordon won a few games hi rookie year, but has missed chances several times since then. Rose has blown a few chances this year, so why not give Deng a try?

Box score

Some thoughts, and some stats (assuming my math is correct):
The Bulls finished their 7-game road trip with a record of 4-3. This is their first winning road trip since - you guessed it - the Jordan Era. So what's different? Why are they playing better? First, Luol Deng seems to have returned to the level he was playing at 2 years ago. During the trip, Deng shot 50% and averaged 19 points and 7 rebounds. This includes a relatively quiet night in the Hornets blowout, and a rather poor shooting game last night against Dallas. If Deng keeps this up, the Bulls should be winning more games, and he'll no doubt be earning that 6-year, $71 million contract extension he signed in the offseason. The way he started this season, he seemed to be turning into a bust.
Another reason the Bulls have been winning is the improved play of Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah. These two are often linked, and for good reasons. They are both young, lottery picks the previous 2 years, drafted for their athleticism, energy, and potential. And up through this season, neither seemed to be reaching their potential. They were criticized for their lack of energy, and neither was contributing much to the offense. However, during this road trip, something seemed to click with them. They ran faster, hustled more, played with more energy. They ran the floor, and Derrick Rose rewarded them with easy baskets. Tyrus doesn't take too many bad shots anymore; his jumper has improved, and Noah, who shouldn't be allowed to take any shot that's not a dunk, has been doing nothing but dunking. Their combined numbers during the road trip - 56.6% shooting, 24.9 ppg, 17.1 rpg. Together, they make up quite the player, but with the ability to be 2 places at once!